7th Article by SIIFIC Student Intern：Who is Investable and Why
This article was written by SIIFIC intern, Lily Thomas. We invite you to enjoy her fresh perspective.
Who decides who is “investable”?
In venture capital, implicit criteria shaped by investors’ experiences and market conventions often influence decision-making – sometimes excluding diverse entrepreneurs from access to funding.
In this issue, our student Intern from US/UK examine the hidden biases in investment practices and the structural dynamics that concentrate capital among certain groups. More importantly, she explore how redefining “investability” can unlock opportunities and generate broader social and economic impact in Japan.
📌 Article Highlights
- From Amherst to Tokyo: Perspective of a female liberal arts student from the U.S. spending two months immersed in Japan’s venture capital ecosystem.
- Western Scholarship in Context: Insights from courses in economics and sociology—how academic debates on inequality, bias, and systemic barriers shaped my lens on entrepreneurship.
- Key Moment of Insight: Lessons from the BWA Pitch Contest, where women entrepreneurs challenged social norms and highlighted how inclusion fuels innovation.
- A Global Challenge: Why gender inequality in venture capital is not unique to Japan – how higher education, representation, and role models (or their absence) shape who is seen as ‘investable.’
- Hope in Action: Uncovering initiatives within Japan’s investment ecosystem that point toward progress.
Read the full newsletter here
